Kjalirrat-dilú
Annoric: Kjalirrat-dilú /chalɪrːath tɪːlu/
Kjalirrat-dilú is a temple complex on the foot of Mt. Vikrú on the island of Annor, a short distance from the town of Hiska at the coast to the south. Widely regarded as one of the holiest places in Adynía, it's the center of the Hiskan Mysteries, known as ranlaxei by the local annorans, which are dedicated to the star Þíranis and believed to grant initiates ritual purity and a pleasant afterlife, regardless of their origin or social status.
Kjalirrat-dilú is a temple complex on the foot of Mt. Vikrú on the island of Annor, a short distance from the town of Hiska at the coast to the south. Widely regarded as one of the holiest places in Adynía, it's the center of the Hiskan Mysteries, known as ranlaxei by the local annorans, which are dedicated to the star Þíranis and believed to grant initiates ritual purity and a pleasant afterlife, regardless of their origin or social status.
Architecture
The architecture is a mixture of ancient megalithic structures and more common motifs similar to our world's hellenistic architecture. Various astral symbols are common, including winged or horned stars or -to lesser extent- creatures associated with certain constellations by the Annorans.
The main temple originally had a H-shaped plan, but the central room has been expanded throughout the centuries to the point that it now it's almost a square.
The main temple originally had a H-shaped plan, but the central room has been expanded throughout the centuries to the point that it now it's almost a square.
Defenses
Since weapons are forbidden at Kjalirrat-dilú, guards there subdue those who disturb the peace using native martial arts, after which the person is tied to a megalith -known as the Rock of Shame- by the road to Hiska and kept there until the ceremony ends.
History
According to tradition, the first structure at the site was a shrine built by the zameltonían king Dalkvazal after his exile by the high-king Hranúkvó during late bronze age, dedicated to the divine she-bear in dwarven mythology. While not specifically related to Þíranis at the time, when the veneration of the star was introduced by Elves from the mainland after the fall of Zameltonía, the site was chosen due to both the deity and the king's name (meaning Star Bull) being already associated with astral imagery.
When the main temple was built, the old one was converted into a gate, the two connected by a winding stairway and the whole area enclosed by low stone walls to mark the sacred precinct. Smaller structures for storing ritual paraphernalia or meant for specific rituals are found on either side of the temple, built as the mysteries grew more complex over time. Various altars were also later added throughout the complex, as well as just outside the gate for animal sacrifices were banned within it due to any carrying of weapons becoming taboo.
When the main temple was built, the old one was converted into a gate, the two connected by a winding stairway and the whole area enclosed by low stone walls to mark the sacred precinct. Smaller structures for storing ritual paraphernalia or meant for specific rituals are found on either side of the temple, built as the mysteries grew more complex over time. Various altars were also later added throughout the complex, as well as just outside the gate for animal sacrifices were banned within it due to any carrying of weapons becoming taboo.
Type
Temple / Religious complex
Parent Location
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